Mickey Gormley
Active Member
In the late 90’s early 00’s TNN, Keady, Ballyhegan and Madden were regularly playing Senior football. I played against all of them in senior league and played championship against Ballyhegan and Madden, with Madden making the final in 1998 I believe. I used to hate playing TNN in Garvaghey as it was always a war. The reality is the first 15 of the 2002 team were all either current senior club players or high end intermediate with 9 of the starters or subs from ourselves, Mullaghbawn (or Na Fianna in Geezers case) and Clans. In Clarke and AOR you had 2 players from the next best club teams in the county. Paul McGrane was a once in a generation player who was one of the most consistent MFs of the time, bettered only by Darragh O Sé in my opinion. McKeever, Toal and Andy Mc were great talents who would have been on any team at the time more or less and then you have Stevie Mc, one of the finest forwards in the game.
2002 was built from a team of winners at the highest level and unreal players. The current bunch are not there yet. I genuinely believe that a breakthrough at club level at Ulster and AI, not being arrogant but most likely by us, will bring an arrogance to the team. To assist with that I really think there needs to be a Cross man on the sideline but I don’t see that happening
I actually agree. With this I dont particularly like the arrogance of cross but I guess they have delivered so I cant knock it. I think the only way we will move to the next level is with a Cross man at the helm as I dont think they truly commit until this is the case. Listen I could be wrong but I think Tony McEntee is a winner and has won a lot more at managment than Kieran Mc Geeney and that is a fact albeit club level. I really hope he doesnt go to another county and we really regret it. PS if McGeeney stays I wont be too bothered but would like to see Tony Mc if it was possible as I think he could get more top players in the higher divisions. There is bound to be players from Senior League who for some reason isnt playing intercounty for Armagh